The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued a new memorandum to speed up residential land titling, addressing delays in infrastructure projects and land disputes.
Department Administrative Order No. 2025-35 updates the implementation of the Residential Free Patent Act, allowing actual occupants to apply for free patent titles even when temporarily absent due to work, marriage, or natural disasters.
The policy now also covers heirs, spouses, returning Filipinos, and those whose occupation was interrupted by force majeure, fraud, or intimidation.
DENR said the move brings fairness to households that previously struggled to secure land titles due to rigid rules or limited access to government services.
Millions of Filipinos living on untitled land may now apply, which could help reduce delays in rebuilding after typhoons and ease inheritance and land disputes nationwide.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 18, 2026
DENR UPDATES GUIDELINES FOR RESIDENTIAL LAND TITLE APPLICATIONS
Latest from News
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is intensifying its campaign against electricity theft and pilferage of power
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. focused on strengthening flood control and disaster response this week while continuing
At least 574 areas across the country remained flooded on Saturday due to the combined effects
The Filipino Roblox Developers Association (FRDA) opposed a total ban on Roblox, saying it would unfairly
The Department of Education has fewer than 1,000 registered guidance counselors serving more than 45,000 schools